Hi! I’m Pat Spencer, and I believe that finding the right therapist means finding someone who truly listens to your experience. As a social worker and therapist with a private practice in Highland Park, New Jersey, I offer in-person sessions and telehealth for clients physically located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Mexico. For New Jersey residents, I am in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield; for all other clients, I provide services on an out-of-network basis and can offer a superbill for potential reimbursement.

My approach is collaborative, supportive, and grounded in a deep appreciation for the mind-body connection. I’m an EMDR trained therapist through EMDRIA, and hold a certificate in trauma studies. With over two decades in social work, I’ve supported adults and adolescents through various concerns, including trauma, depression, anxiety, and performance challenges in all aspects of life., which enriched my understanding of diverse cultures and human experience.  I’m particularly dedicated to working with:

• The LGBTQ+ population: My professional expertise is strengthened by my lived experience within the LGBTQIA+ community. I understand the nuances of navigating life as a queer individual and offer a truly affirming, judgment-free space where gender diversity is celebrated.

• Athletes of all abilities: As a former triathlete, marathoner, and open water swimmer, now an avid gravel cyclist, I deeply understand the unique mental fortitude and challenges that come with sports performance.

• Veterans and military families: My background growing up in a military family and working with Veteran peer support programs provides me with unique insight into the experiences of service members and their loved ones.

• Adults (16+): I provide comprehensive support for individuals navigating personal growth, relationship dynamics, and life's complexities.

More About Me: Pushing Limits & Building Community

When I’m not in session, you'll often find me living out my passion for movement – lifting weights, exploring the vast roads of the Northeast USA on my gravel bike, or scuba diving somewhere new. And, of course, I cherish downtime on the couch with my wife and our cats, catching college football or Jeopardy! 

My journey into endurance sports began in 2007 with a triathlon, a wonderfully scary dive that ignited a lasting love. This built on years of competitive swimming during my school years, which taught me discipline and the joy of challenging myself. Years later, a DNF at Ironman Mont Tremblant in 2016, stemming from overtraining and under-fueling, marked a turning point. That experience, though challenging, ultimately steered me towards mental resilience and the exciting world of gravel cycling.

These athletic experiences weren't just about the finish line; they highlighted the gaps I saw. As a woman, I often found myself greatly outnumbered at race starts. As a member of the LGBTQ community, my wife and I frequently felt the need to "test the waters" before being openly ourselves, wondering if even a simple kiss before a race would be met with judgment.

These moments reinforced a core belief: everyone deserves a space where they don't have to fit into someone else's mold.  We will work together to help you break free and build a life that truly fits you.